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Experimental Models of COVID-19
Luis A Caldera-Crespo1,2, Michael J Paidas1, Sabita Roy3
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|January 31, 2022
Summary
Animal models are crucial for understanding COVID-19 pathogenesis and developing treatments. The Murine Hepatitis Virus-1 Murine model is currently the most optimal for SARS-CoV-2 research, balancing safety and human disease mimicry.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Modeling
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic necessitates understanding SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms.
- Animal models are vital for studying viral pathogenesis, replication, and transmission.
- Limited Biosafety Level 3 facilities pose research challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate successful animal models for SARS-CoV-2 infection research.
- To identify optimal animal models balancing safety, human disease mimicry, and robustness.
- To guide future research in understanding COVID-19 and developing therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on SARS-CoV-2 animal models.
- Analysis of Non-Human Primate (NHP) models (Rhesus macaques, Cynomolgus, African Green Monkeys).
- Evaluation of models not requiring Biosafety Level 3 (e.g., Murine Hepatitis Virus, Ferret, Syrian Hamster).
Main Results:
- Non-Human Primates are susceptible and transmit SARS-CoV-2 similarly to humans.
- Various models, including mouse, ferret, and hamster, offer alternatives to BSL-3 research.
- The Murine Hepatitis Virus-1 Murine model is identified as the most optimal.
Conclusions:
- The Murine Hepatitis Virus-1 Murine model offers the best balance for SARS-CoV-2 research.
- Continued exploration of animal models is essential for advancing COVID-19 knowledge and therapeutics.
- Optimized animal models will accelerate the development of interventions against SARS-CoV-2.
